One of the more difficult HR questions for every enterprise is determining the size and scope of its internal information technology (IT) talent pool. On one hand, having a large, experienced in-house staff allows the organization to respond quickly to requests from internal customers and changes in the market. It also can reduce the fees paid to outside consultants, developers and designers. But it’s also expensive to maintain a large […]
As any successful business leader knows, it’s quality service that brings in repeat business, and word-of-mouth referrals that provide the foundation for growth. Nearly all companies say that delivering great customer service is one of their strategic priorities. In fact, a recent Forrester Research study, “Navigate the Future of Customer Service,” found that 40 percent of surveyed executives said that improving the customer experience was their top customer service goal, […]
Most senior leadership development programs take a top-down approach, focusing on the traits and personalities of individual executives. The goal, in many cases, is to look at various leadership styles—such as autocratic, democratic or somewhere in between—and help executives learn new attitudes and behaviors. With a dynamic facilitator and a well-planned curriculum, these leadership programs can boost individual careers and increase an organization’s human capital. But there’s another perspective to […]
In most organizations, teamwork provides the foundation for getting things done. A strong team can multiply individual strengths and talents, creating a powerful force for moving a company forward. Of course, the opposite is also true: A poorly led team can waste time without achieving anything positive. Successful leaders are masters at the art of giving feedback. It’s true that feedback is an art, not a science, because what works […]
College professors know that one of the best ways to deepen your understanding of a certain topic is to teach it to others. As a senior executive, you can put that insight to good use by training, coaching and mentoring your team in leadership skills. Not only will you be giving them an opportunity to grow and progress in their careers—and support your own succession plan—you’ll also get an opportunity […]
When interviewing job candidates, most recruiters focus on the past, asking questions like “What were your biggest accomplishments?” or “What did you learn from that experience?” But there’s another strategy that can help HR professionals determine whether a candidate will be a good fit for the organization, especially at the executive level. The technique is called behavioral interviewing and it focuses on how a candidate reacts when faced with a […]
Today, smartphones, tablets and laptops are essential communication tools for almost everyone from globetrotting CEOs to students. But the wide diversity of devices, applications and users has created a policy headache for large enterprises, small businesses, governments and educational institutions. There are myriad practical, legal, technical and financial questions to consider in a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy. What is BYOD and how do you set up a BYOD policy? Just some […]
Lisa Thompson, Managing Director, Professional Services Executive coaching is an important part of the corporate culture in many organizations. When done effectively, coaching can boost productivity and help build new career skills. Yet, many organizations don’t extend their coaching programs into the C-suite. Coaching the CEO can be one of the best investments an organization can make, since the impact goes far beyond the C-suite—and it’s especially vital during […]
September 10, 2013 Pearson’s Esteemed Panelists Q3 2013 Julie England, Board Member, Checkpoint Systems; Board Member, Intelleflex; Board Member, Georgia O’Keeffe Museum Renee Hornbaker, CFO, Stream Energy; Director, Eastman Chemical; North Texas Chapter President, National Association of Corporate Directors Yon Jorden, Board Member and Chair of Governance Committee, Maxwell Technologies; Board Member, Methodist Health System; Former Board Member and Chair of Audit Committee, Magnetek; Former Board Member and Chair […]
Years ago, a chief financial officer was the executive responsible for a company’s financial and shareholder reporting responsibilities. Today, this financial aspect is but one small part of a much broader scope of responsibilities. CFOs have become strategy setters and enforcers who are balancing complex regulations, global competition, technology, internal talent and much more. They are expected to understand not just accounting and finance, but their company’s products, services, […]
